Catalina Island cell service & best provider for cruising Channel Islands?

[Junglebike]

Just back from a week on Catalina with the family - amazing time. Before leaving I checked my T-mobile coverage map, which assured me that I'd be fully covered all along the east coast of Catalina. Nope - I had 4 bars but really crappy data in Avalon, then absolutely nothing once I got around Casino Point & further NE. I have a WiFi booster with a good antenna I hoisted 10' up the mast and still nothing from anywhere I anchored or moored (just up to Little Gibraltar this time)

I have my own business so if I'm going to be able to spend more than a few days out I need to be able to check in. Does T-mobile just suck, or are there other options that work better out there?

[Tayana42]

We have had better experience getting a signal at Catalina with Verizon than T-Moble, but only at Avalon and Isthmus Cove. Otherwise around the island there just isn’t a signal until you get offshore a few miles.